Photomedicine Project 14: PBMT for Performance Enhancement in SOF

Launched by MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY REHABILITATION RESEARCH FOR OPERATIONAL READINESS (MIRROR) · Apr 18, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called the Photomedicine Project 14, is studying a treatment known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) to see if it can help Special Operations Forces (SOF) improve their physical performance and recovery after intense training. PBMT involves using a low-level laser on the body, which may enhance healing and reduce fatigue. The researchers want to find out how this treatment affects both the physical and mental performance of SOF operators after they exercise.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be active-duty Special Forces personnel who can understand and read English, and who are able to participate in coach-led training without any restrictions. However, individuals who are obese, have certain medical conditions, or take specific medications will not be able to join. Those who participate will receive either the PBMT treatment or a placebo (a treatment that doesn’t contain the active therapy) after their workouts. The study aims to provide valuable insights into whether PBMT can be a useful tool for enhancing performance and recovery in military training.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Active-Duty Special Forces Personnel (18-series)
• • Able to read and understand English language for consent purposes
• • Able to commit to study intervention and follow-up
• • Able to participate in THOR3 coach-lead training, without restriction
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Obese (body fat \> 25%)
• • Cardiovascular disease
• • Use of select medications (e.g., statins, diuretics, hypertensive agents)
• • Female
• • Tattoo in treatment area (body region)
• • Diagnosis with porphyria (light induced allergy) or photosensitive eczema
• • Current use of medications associated with sensitivity to heat or light (e.g., amiodarone, chlorpromazine, doxycycline, hydrochlorothiazide, nalidixic acid, naproxen, piroxicam, tetracycline, thioridazine, voriconazole)
• • Use of pacemaker/underlying cardiac disease
• • Diagnosed with autoimmune disease(s)
• • Albinism
• • Peripheral Neuropathy